Valley youths encourage others to vote

The presidential election is coming up on Nov. 3. As we get closer to Election Day, a variety of people from all over are encouraging others to vote, especially young people who have not voted before.

Edward Tamayo teaches history at Southwest High School, and he has taught all the different ways of voting and why it has been important.

“It is important to vote because without voting we wouldn’t have basic rights from the government and no equality amongst ourselves,” said Tamayo.

Sam Alonzo is a 19-year-old high school graduate from Brawley High School and has yet to vote, but said he will be prepared and hopes to make a difference in the community with his vote.

“Voting is important because these are fundamental rights we are talking about. They help us to have a voice in our community and a choice in what laws are passed,” said Alonzo.

Lupe Ibarra, 23, attends San Diego State University. She said she feels that voting can come up with solutions to modern problems in a way that fits everyone’s needs.

“Change doesn’t come without voting and speaking up,” Ibarra said. “When I first voted it felt like I was doing the right things because there were so many problems in the world and there still are and voting just helps to eliminate them and offer a solution.”

Alyssa Gonzales, 23, is also a student at San Diego State University. She said voted because it was morally correct for her and felt like she was making a difference with her vote. Gonzales said she feels very strongly about using her vote for change and some voters wasting the opportunity they were given.

“My first experience voting was very quick and also felt meaningful not because it was for the community or I was doing it for someone else, but because to myself I knew I was doing the right thing and that was all that mattered at the time,” said Gonzales.

The last day to drop off or mail in ballots, or to vote in person is Nov. 3.